Adobe Acres Teacher Prefers the Classroom

Kim Marquez tried education life from the administration side, but came back to the classroom after five years. It was a fortunate thing, too, for a class of third graders at Adobe Acres Elementary. Marquez has been named Pepsi/APS Teacher of the Month for August.

Marquez was surprised by a recent classroom visit from representatives of Pepsi and the APS Education Foundation. Her students and Adobe Acres Principal Sam Candelaria were there to cheer for her.

“It feels nice to be recognized,” Marquez said, though she was quick to deflect attention to her colleagues of 10 years.

“Every teacher I know works their heart out,” Marquez said. “It’s not about the money; it’s about what we do for children.”

Adobe Acres is a School on the Rise, meaning student proficiency rates have gone up over the past several years in every category without any decline. Like most schools in the South Valley, the poverty rate is very high. Marquez said the staff meets a lot of needs beyond academics, but the continued improvement says a lot about the commitment of everyone involved.

Pepsi joined forces with the Foundation last year to create the monthly recognition for teachers. Award-winners receive $50 from Pepsi. Each shares a strong commitment to students.

By returning to teaching, “I realized I can make the world a better place through children,” Marquez said.